Last updated: 2026-07-25

2022 Lincoln Aviator Reliability Report
The 2022 Lincoln Aviator scores 63/100 ("Good"). With 21 recalls and 43 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
21
Complaints
43
Complaint Rate
19.6per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$807
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,850–$3,000
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- STRUCTURE (6)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6)
- FUEL SYSTEM (4)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2022 is year 3 of the Second generation (U611).
- Redesigned for the 2020 model year.
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- A refresh arrives in 2025.
- 2nd generation Aviator (US).
What this means for buyers
Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.
2020: Second generation (U611) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2022: This Model Year
2022 is year 3 of the Second generation (U611).
2025: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2022 Lincoln Aviator?
At 63/100, the 2022 Lincoln Aviator lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2022 is year 3 of the Second generation (U611).
Its complaint rate of 19.6 per 10,000 vehicles sold runs above the SUV segment average of 13.5. The most common reports involve structure (6).
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to structure (6). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2023 Lincoln Aviator, which scored 3 points higher. See also the 2021 Lincoln Aviator for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +5-star NHTSA crash rating
- +Well-established generation
- +Only 43 complaints reported
Cons
- −Above-average recall count
- −Above-average complaint rate for SUV
- −STRUCTURE: Trim detachment and wind noise (6 complaints)
- −1 fire incident reported in owner complaints
Compare 2022 Lincoln Aviator With

2022 Acura MDX
Reliability: 73/100

2022 BMW X5
Reliability: 67/100

2022 Audi Q7
Reliability: 67/100

2022 Lexus RX
Reliability: 90/100

2022 Volvo XC90
Reliability: 72/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 21 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- STRUCTURE (6)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6)
Recall Overview
21
recalls on record
The 2022 Lincoln Aviator has 21 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
19.6
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 13.5
Safety Incidents
4
Crashes
1
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2022 Lincoln Aviator Recall Details
21 recalls have been issued for the 2022 Lincoln Aviator. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
SEATS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.
Consequence
A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters explaining the safety risk are expected to be mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S52. This recall expands Recall 25V393. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.
SEAT BELTS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.
Consequence
A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 30, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C18. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 19, 2026.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence
An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C11. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.
Showing 10 of 21 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →
Buying a used 2022 Lincoln Aviator? Check its history first
Every 2022 Lincoln Aviator has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2022 Lincoln Aviator NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 14.7%
Safety Technologies
Lincoln AviatorRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$807
Repair Frequency
0.6
unscheduled repair visits per year
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
20–21 MPG
Running cost: $3,650–$3,800/yr
Fuel + repair
17–18 city / 24–26 hwy MPG
Plug-in Hybrid
23 MPG
Running cost: $3,400/yr
Fuel + repair
22 city / 25 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2022 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aviator RWD 3.0L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 18 | 26 | 21 | $2,850 |
| Aviator AWD 3.0L 6-cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,000 |
Plug-in Hybrid trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aviator PHEV AWD 3.0L 6-cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 22 | 25 | 23 | $2,600 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2022 Lincoln Aviator.
Test backup camera and alert systems for reliability
Inspect for wind noise and loose trim on A pillars and liftgate
Check for water leaks and stains in the roof area
Verify fuel system operation for stalling or hesitation
Ensure electrical systems function, including door sensors and lighting
Test Autosense wipers for proper operation in rain
Inspect transmission for smooth gear shifting without jolts
2022 Lincoln Aviator Common Problems by Component
43 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
STRUCTURE
6 complaintsOwners of the 2022 Lincoln Aviator commonly report issues with the vehicle's structural components, particularly involving trim detachment and wind noise. Several complaints highlight problems with trim pieces on the rear and liftgate detaching, often due to broken plastic clips, with occurrences noted as early as 3,333 miles. Additionally, wind noise is reported from the front passenger side, linked to loose A pillars, with some owners experiencing this issue for several years before resolution. Water intrusion is another reported problem, with symptoms including roof leaks leading to water stains and rust on the liner, as well as a gushing water sound and moldy odors from the air conditioning. One incident describes the hood unlatching after hitting a bump, posing a potential safety risk, although no accidents have been reported. These issues suggest prospective buyers should inquire about past repairs and inspect these areas carefully.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
6 complaintsOwners of the 2022 Lincoln Aviator frequently report issues with the electrical system, including high voltage alerts that cause the vehicle to shut down and become inoperable, sometimes requiring towing. Multiple complaints describe problems with the vehicle's lighting, such as the interior ceiling light turning on randomly and the Sync 3 Radio screen failing to dim during night driving, which can create visibility issues. Additionally, some owners mention a persistent door ajar notification that keeps dome lights illuminated, posing a nighttime driving hazard. Safety implications are evident, with reports of the tailgate closing unexpectedly and injuring an individual, as well as emergency escape concerns due to the electric door system lacking manual overrides for all doors. These issues appear to occur intermittently, with some problems persisting despite dealer inspections.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
5 complaintsOwners report several issues with the 2022 Lincoln Aviator, particularly concerning the Lincoln Way App, display failures, and Autosense wipers. Complaints frequently mention the Lincoln Way App becoming unusable due to unexpected compatibility changes, with users unable to access basic functions like remote start and lock/unlock. Multiple owners describe persistent display failures, impacting the rear camera and essential controls like the defroster, which can lead to visibility issues in adverse weather. Additionally, there are reports of Autosense wipers malfunctioning due to assembly errors, requiring manual operation for safe driving. These issues often appear early in the vehicle's life, with one owner noting ongoing problems over a two-year period. Safety implications arise mainly from visibility challenges in rain and fog due to display and wiper malfunctions.
FUEL SYSTEM (4 complaints)
FUEL SYSTEM
4 complaintsOwners of the 2022 Lincoln Aviator frequently report issues related to the fuel system, with multiple complaints describing vehicle stalling while driving, often at speeds between 35 to 50 MPH. Symptoms include the vehicle failing to restart and hesitation when accelerating, with no warning lights typically illuminated. These issues are reported at mileages ranging from approximately 10,000 to 57,000 miles. Safety implications are evident as stalling occurs in traffic situations, posing a risk of loss of control. Complaints also highlight delays in the availability of parts needed for recall repairs, leaving vehicles unrepaired for extended periods.
BACK OVER PREVENTION (4 complaints)
BACK OVER PREVENTION
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2022 Lincoln Aviator report issues with the backup camera and alert systems, with some describing instances where the camera fails to display or the screen goes dark. These problems are sometimes accompanied by glitches in the warning alerts, which have led to minor collisions. One report includes a crash at approximately 28,000 miles, resulting in an injury, when the backup camera did not display an image. Another owner mentions the camera failure at around 1,000 miles, but it was a one-time occurrence. The safety implications include difficulty in preventing collisions due to unreliable camera and alert functions, which may be of concern to potential buyers.
VISIBILITY/WIPER (3 complaints)
VISIBILITY/WIPER
3 complaintsOwners report recurring issues with the 2022 Lincoln Aviator's visibility and wiper systems, particularly with the rear camera and Autosense wiper function. Complaints frequently mention the rear camera's inability to differentiate between rain and objects, which can inadvertently activate the collision avoidance system and hinder reverse driving. Additionally, the Autosense wiper feature often fails to provide adequate windshield clearing, leading to visibility issues. These problems appear to arise within the first year of ownership, with some owners experiencing symptoms as early as 2023. Safety implications are noted, including a minor collision due to disabled safety features and significant visibility challenges while driving in rain. These reports suggest potential concerns for used car buyers regarding the reliability of these systems.
ENGINE (2 complaints)
ENGINE
2 complaintsOwners of the 2022 Lincoln Aviator report issues with the engine stalling while driving, specifically in the Hybrid Grand Touring Edition. One complaint describes a vehicle stalling on the highway, resulting in a partial loss of control, although the driver was able to safely guide the car to the shoulder. This incident has been linked to a recall, with the vehicle remaining unrepaired for an extended period of nearly five months. Safety implications include potential loss of control during operation, and the lengthy repair time suggests potential difficulties in obtaining timely remedies. These issues are reported at an unspecified mileage, but the prolonged repair timeline and stalling symptom are critical considerations for prospective buyers.
POWER TRAIN (2 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
2 complaintsOwners of the 2022 Lincoln Aviator report issues related to the power train, specifically involving electrical failures and transmission behavior. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle becoming unresponsive electrically, with one owner noting the car stopped and did not respond to any switches, sometimes requiring towing. Additionally, multiple owners describe transmission issues, such as a noticeable jolt and slamming sound when shifting between park and reverse, accompanied by a delay and sudden movement. These issues are not tied to a specific mileage range but have safety implications, particularly when the vehicle becomes unresponsive on the road or when unexpected movement occurs during gear changes.
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)
AIR BAGS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2022 Lincoln Aviator report issues with airbag deployment during collisions. Both complaints describe situations where the vehicle was involved in a crash, yet the airbags did not deploy. One incident involved a frontal collision while slowing down, and the other involved a severe head-on collision with a tree, resulting in significant vehicle damage and a fire. These reports highlight a potential safety concern, as the airbags' failure to deploy occurred in high-impact scenarios. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these reported airbag performance issues, especially given the serious nature of the incidents described.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaintWhile driving, there is a loss of fuel pressure at random. It has happened when stopped at traffic light and while driving on the freeway, the vehicle does not respond to the gas pedal being pressed. This is unsafe for myself and my passengers, as I cannot confidently change lanes as I never know when it will happen. The problem has been reported to the dealership, but no confirmation on their ability to reproduce this. It was announced as a recall issue 07/2025 but still not resolution. There are never any warning lights before this happens, so its always a surprise when it happens.
When Do 2022 Lincoln Aviator Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Lincoln Aviator Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Lincoln Aviator Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Lincoln Aviator year is 2024 with a reliability score of 70/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2025 (68/100) and 2023 (66/100).
Lincoln Aviator Years to Avoid
The worst Lincoln Aviator year is 2020 with a score of 57/100, primarily due to electrical system (29) issues.
Lincoln Aviator Reliability Score Trend
Lincoln Aviator reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 68/100 compared to 61/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 57/100 | Mixed |
| 2021 | 62/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 63/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 66/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 68/100 | Good |
Lincoln Aviator Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2022 Lincoln Aviator reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2022 Lincoln Aviator?
How many recalls does the 2022 Lincoln Aviator have?
Is the 2022 Lincoln Aviator expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2022 Lincoln Aviator without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Lincoln Aviator.
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